Brixton cruiserweight Isaac Chamberlain has extra motivation after birth of his son

Isaac Chamberlain says the recent birth of his son Zion has given him extra motivational fuel to reach the top of the cruiserweight division.

The 27-year-old from Brixton is in action tonight at Crystal Palace’s National Sports Centre and can win the vacant IBF International title.

Montenegro’s Dilan Prasovic, stopped in three rounds by WBO world champion Lawrence Okolie in September, is his opponent.

Asked about the new arrival in his family a fortnight ago, Chamberlain told the South London Press: “It gives me massive motivation.

“Just looking at his small head and small eyes looking back at me, this is what life is all about. It felt better than any knockouts or belts that I’ve won.

“It’s amazing and surreal. I talk to him and promise that I’m always going to be there for him, that I’ll work hard and set an example.

“If I don’t hunt then they don’t eat. I’ve got to put food on the table for my child, that’s how I look at it.”

Chamberlain and Prasovic’s sole losses both came at the hands of Okolie. The South Londoner was comfortably outpointed in February 2018.

“Myself and Lawrence have very contrasting styles,” said Chamberlain when asked if he was aiming to take Prasovic out quicker than Okolie.

“All I’m looking forward to is boxing to the gameplan that we’ve organised.

“I’m not even thinking about the pressure of knocking him out early because that could throw me off my game.

“He was undefeated and is a high-level operator. I need to treat him very seriously and not overlook the guy.

“He could be very different from when he fought Okolie. He was undefeated then and you go in there fearless. He has taken a shot now and that could mean tactically he is a bit more wary or in survival mode. I can’t think he is going to be the same person who boxed Okolie, I’ve got to be very smart about this.”

Chamberlain has boxed once since September 2020 – a one-round knockout of Ben Thomas (2-6-3) in September. His ring absence was due to shoulder surgery.

“It was upsetting and a down period for me,” said Chamberlain. “But all champions have to bounce back. You just have to use the lemons that life throws at you. It gave me time to reflect on things and we were in lockdown, which didn’t make it quite such bad timing.”